Multiple coin selector



March 11, 1952 R. M. FoUsHr-:E ET AL.

MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR n 5 Sheets-SheeI l Filed May 2l, 1947 March 11, 1952A R. M. FoUsHl-:E ET AL 2,588,510

' MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR Filed May 21, 1947 A 5 Sheets-Sheeu 2 e/W @ls ee March l1, 1952 R. M. FousHEE ET AL MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 2l, 1947 INVENTORS.

BY ejW. gawee Mardi 11, 1952 R. M. FOUSHEE ET Al.

MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR 5 Sheets-Sheec 4 Filed May 2l, 1947 March 1l, 1952 R. M. FOUSHEE ET AL L 2,588,510

MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR FiledMay 21, 194'? 5 Sheets-Sheetl 5 INVENIjoRs.

0xff/W4@ Patented Mar. 11, 1952 MULTIPLE COIN SELECTOR Robert M. Foushee and John Gottfried, St. Louis, Mo., assignors to National Rejectors, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application May 21, 1947, Serial No. 749,524

This invention relates in general to coin separators and slug detection devices and more particularlyto an automatic device for separating and testing coins of a plurality of pre-determined denominations subsequent to deposit in a single entry. Previous multiple coin devices of this generalcharacter were complicated in structure and required an exceedingly precise adjustment of certain abutments and the like for proper operation and because of their complicated and sensitive nature, cleaning and servicing required a high degree of skill and care. Previous rejectors also required precise positioning in coin machines in order to operate in a normal prescribed manner which position could not necessarily be maintained because of the portable nature of the coin machines.

This invention provides a structure including a combination of elements which overcome the above objection by the use of a new means for providing pre-determined adjustment of the magnetic testing elds and simple unobstructed runways which are easily serviced and cleaned. The new means for adjustably positioning the magnets with reference to their respective runways minimizes the necessity for accurate positioning of the separator in coin machines and constitutes one of the objects of the invention.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a novel means for scavenging all coin passageways simultaneously responsive to the rotary movement of a single element. v

A further object of the invention is the provision of magnetic testing passageways having smooth plane surfaces adjacent to the face of-,the coin without the presence of magnetic pole pieces which eliminates the accumulation of magnetic particles and other debris.

A further object of the invention is the provision of dual book-like gates for the convenient opening and servicing of the device.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a gravity operated means for locking a weight-testing cradle when the device is tilted beyond its operating position and for also locking a second weight-testing cradle against rotation by an undersize coin. Y

These and other objects in one embodiment of the invention are described and shown in the following description and drawings in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of the device;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation same as Fig. 1 with parts removed; f

Fig. 3 is a reduced size sideelevation of Fig. 2 with parts removed; 1

3 Claims. (Cl. 194-97) Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the device opposite that shown Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevation shown Fig. 4 with parts removed;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary inside rear elevation of the device shown Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional end view taken thru section line 1 1, Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary end View taken thru section line 8 8, Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken thru section line 9 9, Fig. 4;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing the paths of coins of largest diameter thru the device;

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view showing the paths of coins of medium diameter thru the device;

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing the paths of coins of smallest diameter thru the device.

The combination coin sorter and slug rejector hereinafter described is adapted to receive and sort acceptable coins of three diameters and to reject all other coins, slugs, tokens and the like therefrom. For the purpose of simplifying the description it is assumed that this particular embodiment of the invention is adapted for use with United States nickels, dimes, and quarters. The entire separator is constructed on and around a non-magnetic main frame I which frame is shown in all figures of the drawings and serves as a housing and supporting member for all elements. An outer gate 2 best shown Figs. 1 and 6 is pivotally suspended to frame I on ears 3 3 integral with the frame and ears 4 4 integral with the gate and having a hinge pin 5 therethru. A coil spring 6 positioned around pin 5 and having its ends bearing against the frame I and gate 2 respectively as shown, normally urges the gate 2 in spaced relation with the inner surface of frame I. A single entrance passageway 'I is formed between gate 2 and the frame I when the formed tongue 8 of gate 2 is in contact with the inside surface of frame I.

Referring to Figs. 1, 4 and 6, a counter-weighted cradle 9 is pivotally suspended on gate 2 by pivot I0 secured to the gate. The cradle 9 has a pair of spaced projections I I II freely extending thru apertures I2 and I3 in gate 2 and corresponding apertures I4 and I5 in the frame I. The distance between the projections II II will permit the free passage therebetween of al1 coins having diameters less than that of the largest coin to be tested, namelyA a United States quarter. A counter-weight I6 integral with the cradle 9` shifted excessively counterclockwise from its normal vertical position thus a coin suspended in the cradle 9 will not be deflected to a testing passageway unless the frame is in its approximate pre-determined vertical position. When the frame I is shifted in a clockwise direction from its normal position the pendant projection I9 will not engage the projecting .end'2I of the cradle but since this position will impart exces-I A sive velocity to the deposited coin it will be re--v-y jected by other means in the device. The pendant I1 also serves another purpose to be hereinafter described.

A second counter-weighted cradle 22 pivotally mounted on gate 2 by pivot 23 has projections 24-24 extending thru apertures 25.-25 in the gate 2. The distance between the projections 24-24 will permit the passage therebetween of all coins having a diameter less than that of the second size acceptable coin, namely the United States nickel. A

Referring to Fig. 6 it is apparent that' the lower end of the pendant I1 will normally prevent the rotation of cradle 22 because of interference with the upper projection 24; however when a coin of proper weight descends between projections II-II of cradle 9 it will move pendant I1 suiciently far to permit the coin to straddle projections 24-24 of cradle 22. When a coin of proper diameter but insufficient weight is deposited, the coin will be prevented from straddling the projections 24-24 by virtue of interference by pendant I1. Thus the coin will remain suspended between an outer surface of pendant I1 and divergent edge 28.

A runway plate 26 is secured to the inside surface of gate 2 and provides a runway 21 along its upper edge for conducting large size coins for further testing. A divergent edge 28 sloping in opposite direction provides a runway for conducting all coins of lesser diameter than a quarter r toward the cradle projections 24-24. A second runway plate 29 has a sloping upper edge forming a runway 38 for conducting nickel size coins in proper direction for further testing. A divergent edge 3| sloping in opposite direction provi'des a guide for conducting all coins of lesser diameter than a nickel to sloping ledge 32 which is formed in gate 2 as shown for laterally displacing to a laterally disposed passageway all coins of lesser diameter than a nickel for further testing.

Referring to Fig. 1 a movable dislodging plate 33 is pivotally retained to gate 2 by integral projections 34-34 extending into mating apertures in the gate. Leaf spring 35 secured at one end to gate 2 by rivet 36 normally urges the plate into position shown Fig. l against the surface of a flange 31 to be hereinafter described. Dislodging projections 38 and 39 and delecting projection 40 are integral with the plate and normally extend at right angles thru clearance apertures in the gate 2. The projections 38 and 39 are normally retracted from the passageway between the gate 2 and the inside surface of the 4 main frame I. The normal position of projections 38, 39 and 48 are also shown in Fig. 6.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 6 a second, paramagnetic, gate 4| having its upper portion normally positioned directly behind and in parallel spaced relation with gate 2 is pivotally mounted by integral ears 42-42 to pin 5 and since the upper portion of gate 4I is between gate 2 and the main frame it is also normally urged toward the inside Asurface of frame I by the influence of spring 6.

A stop pin 43 secured to an ear 44 in the upper end of the plate 4| is positioned as a stop for holding the'plate 4| in parallel spaced relation with the inside surface of frame I. The inside surfaces of gates 2 and 4| shown Fig. 6 lie in the same plane by virtue of an off-set 45 in gate 2. Slots 46 and 41 in gate 4| are provided as clearance apertures thru which runway plates 26 and 2S normally project.

Referring to Fig. 4 a counter-weighted lever 48 pivoted on rivet 49 in frame I has a projection 58 extending thru apertures 5I in frame I and gate 4|. This projection 50 normally extends into the space between the inner surface of frame I and gate 4I in the path of the quarter passageway.

Referring to Fig. 6 an opening 52 is provided in gate 4I for purposes to be hereinafter described. An off-set laterally extending ear 53, Fig. 6, is formed in gate 4I for the purpose of laterally displacing acceptable quarter coins into the quarter acceptance passageway 54 shown Fig. 7. Holes 55-55 in plate 4I provide a clearance for screws 56--56 which screws retain a nickel testing anvil 51 shown Figs. 2 and 3 to the inside surface of frame I. Thus the gate 4| may assume its normal parallel spaced relation with reference to the inside surface of frame I.

A rejection chute 58, Fig. l, is secured in spaced relaiton to the outer surface of gate 4I by means of screws 59 in gate 4|. When gate 2 is in normal position as shown Fig. 1 the sloping ledge 32 in gate 2 will be positioned slightly above a mating ledge 68 projecting inwardly from aperture 6I in the frame I better shown Fig. 9. Thus coins having a diameter less than a nickel descending between cradle projections 24--24 will be projected thru aperture 6| to the dime runway between theoutside surface of plate |36 of frame I and the inside surface of gate 62 shown Fig. 4. A paramagnetic plate |36 shown Figs. 4, 8 and 9 illustrates an auxiliary plate secured adjacent. to frame I for providing a magnetic keeper for the dime testing magnet to be hereinafter described. Gate 62 is provided with ears 63-63 which correspond with ears 64-64 in the frame I thru which pin 65 provides a hinge. Thus it is apparent that the gate 62 can be swung .outwardly about the pin 65. A retainer bracket 66 also pivoted about pin 65 is provided with an off-set ear 61 which acts as a stop when the ear is in contact with the end of pin |26 which is secure'd to frame I. A double coil spring 68 positioned about pin 65 having its looped portion bearing against frame I and its two ends bearing against bracket 66 and gate 62 respectively serves to urge the gate in its normal operating position. A right-angled projection 69 integral with bracket 66 normally projects into a clearance aperture 10 in the gate but not into the passageway between the gate 62 and the frame I. A counter-weighted cradle 1| pivoted to gate 62. onV pivot 12 is provided with two integral spaced projections 13 and 14 which extend thru .clearance openings in gate 62l into the passageway between the gate and frame I.

land frame I.

A projecting ear integral with gate 62 serves as a pivotal mounting for roller 16 the action of -which will be hereinafter described.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 a spacer plate 11 is secured to the lower portion of gate `62 and the upper surface thereofserving `as a runway 18.

,This plate also serves as a spacer between the gate 62 and the outer surface of the plate |36.

Referring to Fig. 4, the dime testing passageway is formed by plate 80, which is spaced in parallel relation to the outside surface of frame I by spacer plate 81 and secured thereto by rivets 88 extending through plate 80, spacer plate 81 Magnet retainer plate 80a is riveted to the outside surface of plate 80 and has integrally formed therein a cover 82 for completing4 the quarter acceptance passageway 54, also shown Fig. '1.

Referring to Fig. 4 an abutment lever 84 is pivoted to the plate 80 by pin 85 and has an integral projection 86 extending thru an aperture in the plate into the pasageway between the plate and the frame I.

Referring to Fig. 5 the projection 86 is centrally positioned above a spacer plate 81 which plate is secured to the frame I by rivets 88. The two upper edges of the plate serve as an acceptance runway 89 and a rejection runway 90 for coins of smallest diameter. When coins are rejected they travel out of the reject passageway |3| as shown by arrow.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 6 a guide plate 92 integral with gate 4| forms a runway 93 along its upper edge to provide a runway for acceptable nickel coins. An inwardly formed projection 94 is adapted to extend into a clearance aperture A95 in frame I, Fig. 2, and serves the purpose of IIcy-passing coins to be hereinafter described. Formed abutment 99 is provided to extend against the inner surface of the frame I to properly position gate 4| with respect to the inner surface of frame I.

An abutment pin 96 is secured to frame I, Fig. 3', and serves the purpose of separating five-cent coins after impact against anvil 51. A plate 91 is positioned on the outer surface of gate 4| to provide an upper edge 98 as a coin runway to be hereinafter described for rejecting non-acceptable coins of nickel and quarter size.

Referring to Figs. 4 and '7 a housing |00 serves as a positioning means for a two-pole permanent` magnet I0| mounted therein. The pole faces of the magnet are positioned in counterbore |02 in the main frame I. The housing is provided with two elongated slots |03 for adjustably positioning the magnet about its center. Screws |04 'ness' of non-magnetic metal between the pole faces and the coin passageway, and a .paramagnetic plate in spaced relation to the pole faces serving as one wall for the coin passageways and also as a keeper for the magnets thus providing a pair of magnetic reld zones across the air-gap in each passageway.

Referring to Fig. 3 an aperture ||2 is provided in the main frame I for discharging quarter size coins into acceptance passageway 54 behind cover 82, Fig. 4.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 7 a portion of the plate 80 is formed into a sloping tongue ||3 to assure the travel of acceptable quarters into the acceptance passageway shown by arrow.

It is to be noted in Fig. 3 that the pole faces of magnets |0| and |01 do not project thru the surface of the plate and hence avoid the accumulation of debris thereto. It is to be further noted that Fig. 7 illustrates the relative position of the magnet |0| with relation to the gate 4| which being para-magnetic material becomes a keeper for both magnets I0| and |01 shown Fig. 4.

Because it is possible for underweight and magnetic coins to become suspended in the cradles or adjacent the testing magnets means is provided for releasing or scavenging suspended coins by imparting motion to a single element which movement will clear al1 suspended coins from the device as hereinafter described.

Referring to Fig. 1 a disc |I4 responsive to rotation is secured to a shaft II5 which shaft is journalled thru frame as shown. Integral with the shaft II5 is a wiper blade ||6 adapted to sweep across the inside surface of the frame I adjacent to the magnets |0| and |01 when the shaft I I5 is rotated as shown in dotted lines, Fig.

are adapted to lock the magnet in adjusted posij tion to plate |05 which plate is integral with frame I. Magnet ||l| is intended to test the conductivity properties of. the quarter size coin. A second housing |06 contains a second permanent magnet |81 and is adjustably retained to plate |05 in counterbore |08 in frame by screws |04 in the same manner as the rstmentioned magnet. Magnet |01 is utilized to test the conductivity properties of the nickel size coin. s

A third housing |09 is adjustably secured to retainer plate 80a by screws |04 and contains a magnet III] positioned in counterbore in frame I. Magnet ||0 is used to test the conductivity properties of the dime size coin.

All magnets like magnet |0| Fig. '1, have their pole faces in contact with the inner surface of a counterbore providing a pre-determined thick- 3. A stop pin |I1 integral with the wiper blade projects into a slot I|8 for limiting the motion of disc ||4 and the blade II5. It is to be further noted that when the wiper blade` ||6 is in the vposition shown in dotted lines, Fig. 3, that any coins deposited in the entrance passageway 1 will strike the outer edge of the wiper blade and descend into the reject passageway.

Referring to Fig. 4 a lever ||8 is pivotally mounted at one end to disc |I4 by pin II9. This lever is guided by a bracket |20 integral with plate |05. A camming projection |2I integral with lever |I8 is adapted to engage and move outwardly roller 16 when disc ||4 is rotated. A spring |22 secured at one end to an ear |23 in the disc ||4 and having its opposite end secured to a projection |24 on the lever |I8 serves to urge the lever I I8 andthe disc ||4 into position shown Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 5 a second wiper blade |25 is pivotally mounted to pin |26 secured to the main frame and is adapted to sweep across the surface'of frame against the restraining action of spring |21 which spring has one end engaged with the Wiper blade |25 and its opposite end engaged to fixed bracket |20 on cover assembly 80. A projection |28 of lever ||8 is adapted to Contact the outer edge of wiper blade |25 and move the wiper blade against the action of spring |21 to position shown in dotted lines when the lever ||8 is moved to its dotted position by rotation of the disc II4. Thus when a coin is suspended in the zone of the field of magnet II5 it may be projected into the reject passageway |3| by rotation of disc II4.

Furthermore any coins of dime size deposited when the wiper blade |25 is in its displaced posi-l tion Will be deflected directly into the." reject passageway by virtue of the off-set end .of the wiper blade.

Referring to Figs. 4, 8, and 9 it is apparent that when the camming projection |2| engages the roller 16 the rst movement will move gate G2 outwardly from the main frame against the restraining action of spring 68, Thus a coin straddling the projections 13 and 14 of the cradle 1| will be dislodged therefrom by projection 69 of retainer bracket 66 directly into the reject passageway. It is also to be noted thatV further movement of the lever I |18 will continue the outward movement of gate 62 by virtue of cam |2.| androller 16 and ultimately move retainer bracket S6 sufficiently far outwardly to dislodge :any debris retained between the gate 62 and the main frame as illustrated by dotted lines, Fig. 8. Referring to Figs. 1 and 4 a projecting cam |32 integral with gate 2 normally projects thru an opening |33 in frame I in the path of a roller |34 which roller is pivotally secured at right angles to the ear |23 by stud |35. When the disc II4, Fig. 4, is rotated in the direction shown by arrow the roller |34 will cam against a sloping surface of the projecting cam |32 and move gate 2 outwardly from the frame I. This first movementl will cause the projections 38 and 39 of the plate 33 to dislodge any coin suspended upon the cradles 9 and 22 where they will fall by gravity into the rejection chute 58. The projection 40 normally projects into the runway between gate 2 and the frame I, and serves as a guide to direct coins into the rejection chute 58. Further rotation or disc ||4 will continue the movement of the gate 2 outwardly about pin 5 and cause the plate 33 to move outwardly away from ilange 31 of gate 4|, to completely clear the passageway between the gate 2 and the frame I of any debris suspended therein.

It is further to be noted that the gate 2 may be manually opened against the restraining action of spring 6 and thus expose gate 4| as shown Fig. 2 which gate may also be opened for service by overcoming the magnetic attraction between the gate and magnets IOI and |01 positioned in the opposite side of the frame One of the important features of the device is the means provided for rotating the magnets I0|, |01 and ||0 about their horizontal neutral axes.

It is well-known that since the magnets have two poles facing the gate or keeper 4| that a concentrated magnetic field will span in two zones the space between the pole faces and the keeper. Each zone of magnetic eld for each magnet will be of opposite polarity, namely, north and south, thus the eddy currents set up in a coin passing both zones. of a single magnet will have introduced therein eddy currents of opposite polarity, thus by rotating the magnet about its horizontal axis a coin traversing its two zones of magnetic field will have a greater or lesser degree of eddy currents of opposite polarity set up therein. This phenomenon provides for an extremely sensitive adjustment of trajectory for a coin of given conductivity. It is to be noted that rotating the magnet about its horizontal axis does not vary the total intensity of the magnetic field in the passageway.

In operation and referring to Fig. l0 under the assumption that an acceptable U. S. quarter is deposited in the entrance passageway 1 it will descend along runway |29 and straddle projections I of cradle 9 shown Fig 1 and since the coin is of acceptable'weight the cradle will rotate4 and deposit the coin on the runway 21 of the plate its edge. will impinge upon projection 50 in suchV av position as to deect the coin in the direction of the acceptance passageway where it will be displaced laterally by off-set ear 53 in gate 4| over a mating sloping tongue I|3 shown Figs. 3 and 7 where it will descend into acceptance passageway 54 which lies between cover 82 and the cover assembly 80.

Since the magnet. I0| is adjustable generally about its center. it is possiblev to adjust the magnet to provide a sensitive pre-determined deflecting influence upon a coin of known properties so as to separate by means of abutment50 coins having slightly diierent' conductivity.

Assuming a coin having slightly greater conductivity than that of an acceptable coin is deposited in entrance pasageway 1 its initial action will be the same until it traverses the mangetic field of magnet |0I. At this point the coin, be cause of its greater conductivity, will lose velocity at a more rapid rate than anacceptable coin and descend in the left hand path indicated to impinge upon the abutment 50-in a different position to cause the coin to descend in the'lefthand path whereupon it will be deflected laterally from its normal path by projection 94 to the upper edge 93 of plate 91 where it will roll by gravity directly into the reject passageway'S I.

Assuming .that a coin of proper diameter but underweight is deposited in entrance passageway 1v it will straddle projections of the cradle and be thereby suspended which will require a rotation of the disc I I4 in the direction shownl to dislodge the coin from the projections II-II by the action of elements previously described whereby it will fall by gravity to divergent edge 28 of plate 26 and thence directly to the reject passageway 9|.

In the event that a paramagnetic coin is deposited in entrance passageway 1 and descends along runway 21 it will be attracted and arrested in the zone of the magnetic field of the magnet |0| and will require movement of the disc II4 in the direction shown by arrow' which movement will cause wiper blade |f|6 to deflect the coin into reject-direction where it will descend into the reject passageway 9|.

Referring to Fig. 11 in operation and assuming that an acceptable U. S. nickel is deposited in the entrance. passageway 1 it will descend `along entrance. runway |29 thru the space between projectionsv I I-II of the cradle 9 and impinge upon divergent edge 28 and being of proper weight will move pendant I1 shown Fig. 6 sufficiently far where it will further descend and straddle projectionsv 24-24 of cradle 22 better shown Fig. 1, where it will cause. the cardle to rotate and deposit the coin on the runway 30 of plate 29 where it will further descend traversing the magnetic eld of magnet |01 where its velocity will be reducedlinproportion to its conductivity and being acceptable will follow the right hand path indicated to impinge upon the edge of anvil 51 where it will rebound over abutment pin 96 to runway 93 formed in plate 92 where it will descend into the nickel acceptance passageway |30.

Assuming that a coin of proper weight and diameter but. having greater conductivity and/or less resilience it will descend the same as previously described into the eld of magnet |01 where-- by its free trajectory path will vchange in accordance with its conductivity and in rebounding from the anvil 51 it will not attain sufficient velocity to project over the abutment pin 93 but on the contrary will be by-passed by contact with projections 94 forward of gate 4I and then descend along the upper edge 98 of plate 91 directly into the reject passageway 9I.

Assuming that a coin of nickel diameter but underweight is deposited in entrance passageway 1 it will descend thru projections I I-I I of cradle 9 and then be suspended between divergent edge 28 and the pendant I1 shown Fig. 6 which Will require movement of the disc II4 to release the suspended coin directly into the rejection passageway 9|.

A further important feature of the pendant resides in its operation in preventing coins having a diameter less than that of a quarter from entering the quarter passageway. NormallyA such coins, for example a U. S. penny, will descend between the projections II-II of cradle 9 and be directly rejected. Under normal velocity conditions the inner projecion II of cradle 9 prevents these smaller coins from entering the quarter passageway. The first of a series of coins, under certain conditions, deposited in rapid succession will impinge upon the inner projection I I of cradle 9 with sufficient velocity to rotate the cradle 9 and permit subsequent coins to enter the quarter passageway where again under certain favorable velocity conditions they may be accepted as quarters. This undesirable action is entirely prevented by pendant I1 inasmuch as the first smaller diameter coin deposited will descend between projections II-II oi cradle 9 and strike against the inner edge of the pendant I1 and move the pendant to approximately the position shown in dotted lines, Fig. 6. This movement will position the pendant projection I9 in the path of the projecting end 2I of cradle 9 and thus prevent its rotation :by a subsequent coin, thereby preventing any subsequent undersized coins from entering the quarter passageway.

Assuming that a coin of nickel dimensions and weight but having paramagnetic properties is deposited in entrance passageway .21 it will descend in the manner of an acceptable coin until it reaches the magnetic zone of inuence of magnet I81 where it will be retained to the inside surface of frame I. Then it will require the rotation of disc II4 to move wiper blade IIS to disv lodge the coin directly into the reject passageway via the general path described by other nonacceptable coins.

Referring to Fig. l2 and assuming that an acceptable dime is deposited in the entrance passageway 1 the coin will rst descend along entrance runway |29 thru cradle projections I I-I I and impinge upon divergent edge 28 and pass thru the space between the edge 28 and the pendant I? thru cradle projections 24-24 where it will be deflected by divergent edge 3| of runway plate 29 where it will be projected laterally by the sloping edge 32 and its mating ledge 68, better shown Fig. 9 whereupon it -will strike projection 13 and move cradle 'II in a counterclockwise direction until the coin straddles both projections 13 and 14. The cradle will then be overbalanced and will rotate clockwise to deliver the coin to runway 18 of plate I1 whereupon it will traverse the magnetic lield of the magnet I I9.

Since the coin has the proper conductivity it l0 will movel in a free `trajectory as shown by right hand path, Fig. 12, and strike the projection 86 in a position to cause the coin to move downwardly along runway of plate 81 and thence into the dime acceptance passageway 83.

In the event a coin of higher conductivity than that of an acceptable dime is deposited in entrance passageway 1 it will follow the same course previously described except when it traverses the magnetic field of magnet IIU it willbe slowed sufficiently to assume a path to the left of that of an acceptable coin as shown and strike projection 86 at a position whereby the coin will be deflected to descend runway 89 of plate 81 into rejection passageway I3 I It is now apparent that when a coin having the same diameter as a dime but underweight is deposited in entrance passageway 1 it will fall in a normal course until it strikes projection 13 of cradle 1I and not having sufficient kinetic energy to rotate the cradle will remain suspended thereon.

vUnder -these conditions and referring to Fig. 4 the rotation of disc II4 will open gate 62 and permit projection 69 of bracket 66 to dislodge the suspended coin from the cradle projection 13 directly into the rejection passageway I3I. Likewise when a paramagnetic coin is suspended in the zone of the magnet IIB the operation of disc II4 will move wiper blade |25 to dislodge the suspended coin directly into the reject passageway I3I.

It is also apparent that the adjustable rotational positioning of magnet IIO like the other previously described magnets will sensitively iniluence the path of travel of a coin traversing its field by presenting more or less lines of magnetic force to be traversed therethru by the coin. Hence the use of the rotationally adjustable magnets greatly increases the sensitivity of the device in separating coins having slightly different conductivity properties.

Having described our invention, we claim:

l. In a coin separator a frame means including an entrance passageway for conducting edgewise gravity controlled coins, a testing passageway in said frame connecting said entrance passageway, a runway in said frame positioned in said testing passageway having one end adjacent said entrance passageway, a cradle means pivotally mounted in said frame means adjacent said entrance passageway, said cradle means having a pair of projections extending into said entrance passageway for straddling a coin of acceptable diameter and weight and transferring said coin to said runway, one of said cradle projections normally blocking the entrance of said testing passageway, a pendant pivoted for rotation on said frame means and in said entrance passageway, the axis of rotation of said pendant positioned parallel to the axis of rotation of said cradle and spaced from said runway, a locking projection extending from said pendant normally clearing the path of movement of said cradle means whereby the descent of a coin of less than acceptable diameter and of proper weight in said entrance passageway will by-pass between said cradle projections and impinge said end of said runway and one edge surface of said pendant and move said pendant to position its said locking projection into the path of movement of said cradle means for preventing movement thereof and retaining thesaid one of said projections in blocking position in the entrance of said testing il passageway to'momentarily prevent a subsequent coin from enteringy said testing passageway.

2. In a coin separator of the, character de,- scribed frame means including Van entrance -passageway for conducting edgewise gravity propelled coins, a testing passageway connecting said entrance passageway having a sloping runway therein, cradle means pivotally mounted on said frame means adjacent to said entrance passage-` way, said cradle means having a pair of projections extending into said passageway for transferring acceptable coins descending in said entrance passageway toA said runway, a pendant pivotally suspended on said frame means on an axis parallel to the axis of movement of said cradle means and positioned above. said projections, a portion of said pendant normally positioned in the path of movement of one of said projections to prevent normal movement thereof, a xed abutment on said frame in said entrance passageway above said cradleA and adjacentA to one edge of said pendant, whereby a coin of acceptable diameterdescending in said entrance passageway will impinge said abutment and the said edge of said pendanty and move said pendant out of the path of the said one of said projections to permit said coin to descend and straddle said pair of projections and permit movement of the said cradle to transfer said coin to said runway for further descent in saidtesting passageway and whereby a coin of lesser diameter and of improper weight descending in said entrance passageway will not move said pendant sufficiently far to permit rotation of said cradle means and thereby remain suspended Qn rSaid abutment the other of said projections and on the. said edge of said pendant.

3. In a coin separator of the character del2 scribed a diamagnetic frame means, a plane inside surface in said frame means formingl one inner vertical wall of a coin testing passageway, a paramagnetic gate pivotally mounted at one end to said frame means and normally positioned in parallel spaced relation with said vertical wall formingr a passageway therebetween, a sloping runway in said frame positioned in said passageway for conducting coins in a predetermined path, a permanent magnet secured on the outer side of said frame means for rotatable adjustment about an axis normal to said path, said magnet having its north and south poles symmetrically positioned about said axis and having the faces of said poles parallel with said passageway providing two zones of magnetic eld of opposite polarity across said passageway to said gate whereby a coin descending in said passageway on said runway will traverse more or less of each `of said zones of magnetic eld depending upon the adjustment of said magnet about its axis to iniiuence said descending coin from said runwayV in a predetermined free vertical trajectory.

ROBERT M. FOUSHEE.

JOHN GOTTFRIED.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 800,174 Schmidt Sept. 26, 1905 1,280,540 Pollock Oct. 1, 1918 2,118,425 Bibicos May 24, 1938 2,278,129 vPatzer et al Mar. 31, 1942 2,292,628 Fry Aug. 11, 1942 

